HC Deb 18 January 2001 vol 361 cc347-8W
Mr. Yeo

To ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food if he will make it his policy to oppose EU proposals to limit the tractor driving time for farmers. [144262]

Mr. Nick Brown

[holding answer 8 January 2001]: I support the Government's policy on the Physical Agents (Vibration) Directive on the need to have a realistic and balanced approach to avoid damage to the health of workers, including farmers and their employees, through the effects of excessive vibration, while permitting them

The Organic Farming Scheme, which forms part of the England Rural Development Programme (ERDP), provides aid to farmers wishing to convert to organic farming. The budget for the scheme over the life of the ERDP is £140 million. In addition, the Organic Conversion Information Service (OCIS), which is funded by MAFF, provides free advice to farmers considering conversion.